US6494731B1 - Waterproof connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector housing includes a terminal chamber for accommodating a terminal to which an electric wire is connected. A rear holder is attached to a rear end portion of the connector housing. A waterproof rubber plug has a through hole through which the electric wire is inserted. One end of the rubber plug is configured as a cylindrical sealing portion. The other end of the rubber plug is configured as a proximal end portion integrally provided with a rear end wall of the rear holder. A plug chamber is formed in the rear end portion of the connector housing so as to communicate with the terminal chamber for accommodating the rubber plug therein when the rear holder is attached with the connector housing. The dimension of the plug chamber is determined such that the sealing portion of the rubber plug is accommodated while being compressed by an inner wall of the plug chamber during the attaching operation of the rear holder.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a small size multi-way waterproof connector in which a waterproof seal between a connector housing and a plurality of wires, each connected to a terminal, is enhanced.

A related waterproof connector, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-329571A, will now be described specifically with reference to FIGS. 6 to8. A connector housing11 of thewaterproof connector10 includes aninner housing12, which is integrally molded of synthetic resin, and has a plurality ofterminal chambers13, anouter housing17 of synthetic resin, in which theinner housing12 is fitted, and aspacer28 of synthetic resin which is provided between theinner housing12 and theouter housing17 to retainfemale terminals14

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theinner housing12 has a box-like body12a, and upper and lower sides of this box-like body12aare open at a rear portion thereof. Theterminal chambers13 are formed by a centralhorizontal wall12band upper and lower vertical side walls (serving as partition walls)12c. Thefemale terminals14 ale adapted to be received in theterminal chambers13, respectively. Retainingpawls15 are integrally formed respectively on opposite side portions and a central portion of each of the upper and lower faces of thebody12a.Insertion holes12dof a rectangular shape are formed respectively through those portions of a front wall of thebody12aopposed respectively to theterminal chambers13, and male terminals in a mating connector (not shown) are passed through theseinsertion holes12d, respectively. Two pairs ofpress connecting blades14bare formed by stamping on opposite side walls of a box-like portion14aof thefemale terminal14 at a rear portion thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theouter housing17 includes aninner wall portion17aof a substantially square tubular shape, anouter wall portion17bof a substantially square tubular shape formed around theinner wall portion17a, and abottom wall portion17cinterconnecting rear end portions of the inner andouter wall portions17aand17b. Thus, theouter housing17 has a double-wall box2 shaped construction having an open front side. A central portion of thebottom wall portion17cis thickened, and rubber plug chambers orrecesses19 of a circular cross-section With a large diameter are formed respectively in those portions of an inner face of this thickened portion opposed respectively to theterminal chambers13, andwaterproof rubber plugs18 are inserted respectively into theserubber plug chambers19 by press-fitting or the like.Wire insertion holes21 of a circular cross-section with a smaller diameter are formed in the outer face of the thickened portion, and communicate with therubber plug chambers19, respectively, andwires20 are passed through thewire insertion holes21, respectively. Thewaterproof rubber plug18 has corrugated, cylindrical inner and outer peripheral faces, and thewire20 is passed through the bore of therubber plug18, with no gap formed therebetween.

Retaining hole of a rectangular shape are formed respectively in opposite side portions o a front portion of each of upper and lower walls of theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, and theretaining pawls15, formed respectively on the opposite side portions of the upper and lower faces of thebody12aof theinner housing12, are releasably engaged in these retainingholes22, respectively. A rectangular longitudinalretaining hole23 is formed in a central portion of the front portion of each of the upper and lower walls of theinner wall portion17a, and theretaining pawls15, formed respectively on the central portions of the upper and lower faces of thebody12aof theinner housing12, are releasably engaged in these retainingholes23, respectively. A V-shaped packing-receivingpart25 for receiving an annularwaterproof packing24 of rubber is formed integrally on the outer face of theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17 at the inner end portion thereof. Those portions of the inner face of theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, disposed immediately adjacent respectively to front edges of the retainingholes22 and23, are formed respectively intotapered faces26. Retainingholes27 are formed respectively in upper and lower walls theouter wall portion17bof theouter housing17, and elastic retaining arms of the mating connector (not shown) are releasably engaged in these retainingholes27, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, thespacer28 includes abody28aof a substantially square tubular shape for fitting in theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, aflange portion28bof a substantially square tubular shape, integrally formed on and extending in a stepped manner rearwardly from a front end of thebody28aso a to fit on theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, and abottom wall portion28cclosing a rear end of thebody28a. Thus, thespacer28 has a box-like shape having an open front end.

Thebody12aof theinner housing12 is fitted into thetubular body28aof thespacer28. Rib-like projections29 for preventing disengagement of the terminals are formed integrally on inner faces of upper and lower walls of thebody28aof thespacer28, and theseprojections29 serve to retain the rear edge of thebody12aof theinner housing12, and also serve to retain the rear edges of the box-like portions14aof thefemale terminals14, received respectively in theterminal chambers13, respectively.

Notches30 are formed respectively in those portions of an interconnecting portion (which interconnects thebody28aand theflange portion28bof the spacer28), corresponding respectively to theretaining pawls15 on theinner housing12, and alsonotches31 are formed respectively in those portion of this interconnecting portion corresponding respectively toflanges16 formed on theinner housing12. Aretaining pawl32 is formed integrally on the outer face of each of the upper and lower walls of thebody28aof thespacer28, and is disposed between the upper or lower)notches30, and theseretaining pawls32 are releasably engages respectively in the retainingholes23 in theouter housing17. When thespacer28 is completely fitted into theouter housing17, the distal end of theflange portion28aof thespacer28 serves to hold thepacking24 retained on the packing-receivingpart25 on theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17.

Wire insertion holes33 are formed respectively through those portions of thebottom wall portion28cof thespacer28 corresponding respectively to thewire insertion holes21 in theouter housing17. When thespacer28 is completely fitted intoouter housing17, thebottom wall portion28cof thespacer28 serves to hold therubber plugs18 inserted respectively in therubber plug chambers19 in thebottom wall portion17cof theouter housing17. As shown in FIG. 6, thewires20 are passed respectively through thewire insertion holes21 in theouter housing17, therubber plugs18 and thewire insertion holes33 in thespacer28, a d eachwire20 is press-fitted into a space between each pair of press-connectingblades14bof thefemale terminal14 received in the associatedterminal chamber13, and theterminal chambers13 and thewires20 are sealed by therubber plugs18 and thepacking24.

For assembling thewaterproof connector10 of the above construction, therubber plugs18 are inserted respectively into therubber plug chambers19, formed in the inner face of thebottom wall portion17cof the outer housing17 (which forms the outer portion of the connector housing11), and also thepacking24 is fitted in the packing-receivingpart25 on theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, as shown in FIG.8A.

Then, thebody28aof thespacer28 is fitted into theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17 as shown in FIG. 8B, so that theretaining pawls32 on thebody28aof thespacer28 are retaining engaged respectively in the retainingholes23 in theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17. As a result of the retaining engagement of the retaining pawls32 (formed on thebody28aof the spacer28) in he respective retainingholes23 formed in theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, therubber plugs18 are retained against withdrawal by thebottom wall portion17cof theouter housing17, and also thepacking24 is retained against withdrawal by the slanting distal end of theflange portion28bof thespacer28, and therefore the waterproof ability of the connector housing is further enhanced.

Then, the wires,,20 are passed through the respectivewire insertion holes21 in thebottom wall portion17cof theouter housing17 from the outer side thereof, therespective rubber plugs18 and the respectivewire insertion holes33 in thebottom wall portion28cof thespacer28, as shown in FIG.8C. Then, eachwire20 is press-connected to the pairs of press-connectingblades14bof thefemale terminal14 received in the associatedterminal chamber13 in the inner housing12 (which forms the inner portion of the connector housing11), as shown in FIG.8D.

Then, theinner housing12 is fitted into thebody28aof thespacer28 as shown in FIG. 8E, so that theretaining pawls15 on thebody12aof theinner housing12 are retaining engaged respectively in the retainingholes23 in theinner wall portion17aof theouter housing17, thus completing the assembling operation of thewaterproof connector10. At this time, the rear edge of thebody12aof theinner housing12, as well as the rear edges of the box-like portions14aof thefemale terminals14, received respectively in theterminal chambers13, is locked by theprojection29 formed on the inner faces of the upper and lower walls of thebody28aof thespacer28, and theprojections29 will not be deformed outwardly, and therefore the disengagement of thefemale terminals14 from therespective terminal chambers13 is positively prevented. And besides,. since the retainment of thefemale terminals14 and the retainment of therubber plugs18 are simultaneously achieved by thespacer28, it is not necessary to provide any member used exclusively for preventing the withdrawal of the rubber plugs, and therefore the number of the component parts is reduced, thereby reducing the cost. Furthermore, thespacer28 is retained in a double manner by the retaining engagement of theretaining pawls32 of thespacer28 in the respective retaining holds23 in theouter housing17 and by the retaining engagement of theretaining pawls15 of theinner housing12 in the respective retainingholes23 in theouter housing17, and therefore the disengagement of therubber plugs18 and thepacking24 is positively prevented, thereby further enhancing the reliability of the waterproof effect.

In the above relatedwaterproof connector10, however, therubber plugs18 are first received respectively in therubber plug chambers19 in theouter housing17 as shown in FIG. 8B, and therefore when passing thewires20 through the respectivewire insertion holes21 in theouter housing17 and the respectivewire insertion holes33 in thespacer28 as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C and also when fitting theinner housing12 into thespacer28, fitted in theouter housing17 while sliding thewires21 relative to thewire insertion holes33 in thespacer28 and thewire insertion holes21 in theouter housing17 as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, thewires20 are liable to be buckled because of the sliding friction between thewires20 and therubber plugs18 as shown in FIG. 9, and this would sometimes affect the production of wire harnesses. Namely, during the wire passing operation for passing thewires20 and during the housing-fitting operation for fitting theinner housing12 into theouter housing17, the operation load due to the sliding Friction between therubber plugs18 and thewires20 increases, which leads to a possibility that the efficiency of the assembling operation of thewaterproof connector10 is lowered.

And besides, therubber plugs18 are completely covered with thebottom wall portion17cof theouter housing17 and aperipheral wall portion17daround therubber plug chambers19, and therefore during the assembling operation of thewaterproof connector10, it was difficult to confirm from the outer side of theouter housing17 whether or not therubber plug18 was received in eachrubber plug chamber19.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a small-size multi-way waterproof connector, as well as a method of assembling the same, in which the efficiency of an assembling operation is enhanced.

In order to achieve the above objects, according to the present invention, there is provided a waterproof connector comprising:

a connector housing including a terminal chamber for accommodating a terminal to which an electric wire is connected;

a rear holder attached to a rear end portion of the connector housing;

a waterproof rubber plug having a through hole through which the electric wire is inserted, one end of which is configured as a cylindrical sealing portion, the other end of which is configured as a proximal end portion integrally provided with a rear end wall of the rear holder; and

a plug chamber formed in the rear end portion of the connector housing so as to communicate with the terminal chamber for accommodating the rubber plug therein when the rear holder is attached with the connector housing,

wherein the dimension of the plug chamber is determined such that the sealing portion of the rubber plug is accommodated while being compressed by an inner wall of the plug chamber during the attaching operation of the rear holder.

Preferably, a depth dimension of the plug chamber is determined such that a distal end of the sealing portion of the rubber plug is compressed in the attaching direction of the rear holder when the rear holder is attached with the connector housing.

Since the rubber plug is formed integrally with the rear holder, in the assembling operation in which the wire is passed through the insertion hole of the rubber plug, and then the female terminal is connected to the end portion of the wire, and is received in the terminal chamber in the connector housing, and then the rear holder is fitted into the plug chamber of the connector housing, the insertion resistance bet ween the electric wire and the rubber plug can be efficiently decreased. Thus, the electric wire is prevented from being buckled, thus enhancing the efficiency of the assembling operation of the waterproof connector. Therefore, a wire harness, comprising a bundle of wires, can be easily produced.

And besides, since the sealing portion of the rubber plug is accommodated while being compressed by an inner wall of the plug chamber during the attaching operation of the rear holder, a failure to attach the rubber plug is eliminated, and a, seal between the rubber plug and the plug chamber in the connector housing, as well as a seal between the rubber plug and the wire, can be formed easily and positively, thus enhancing the sealing performance.

Preferably, the dimension of the plug chamber is so determined as to satisfy the following relationship:

A<C−B+D

where A is an inner diameter of the plug chamber; B is an inner diameter of the through hole of the rubber plug; C is an outer diameter of the sealing portion of the rubber plug; and D is an outer diameter of the electric wire.

Under the above condition, the efficiency of the assembling operation of the waterproof connecter, as well as the waterproof performance thereof, is further enhanced.

Preferably, the connector housing includes a plurality of terminal chambers and the rear holder includes a plurality of waterproof rubber plugs associated with the terminal chambers respectively. The respective proximal ends of the rubber plugs are exposed to an outer face of the rear end wall of the rear holder and connected with each other via a groove formed on the outer face of the rear holder.

Accordingly, the plurality of rubber plugs can be firmly secured to the rear end wall of the rear holder, and the rubber plugs will not be disengaged from the rear holder even when passing the wires respectively through the insertion holes of the rubber plugs. Therefore, the multi-way waterproof connector, having the excellent sealing performance, can be easily assembled in a short. time, and the efficiency of the overall assembling operation can be further enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of a waterproof connector of the invention, showing a state before this connector is assembled;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rear holder used in the waterproof connector, showing a state before rubber plugs are integrally molded in the rear holder;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rear holder, showing a state in which the rubber plugs2 re integrally molded in the rear holder.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rear holder having the rubber plugs integrally molded therein.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof connector showing a state in which this connector is assembled;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a related waterproof connector, showing a state before this connector is assembled;

FIG. 7 is a Partly ross-sectional, perspective view of the related waterproof connector, showing a state in which this connector is assembled.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the related waterproof connector is assembled;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a spacer is fitted in an outer housing of the related waterproof connector;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which wires are passed through the outer housing and the spacer;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the wires are connected respectively to terminals received respectively in terminal chambers in an inner housing;

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of the related waterproof connector showing a state this connector is assembled; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the related waterproof connector showing a state before the inner housing is fitted into the spacer fitted in the outer housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of a waterproof connector of the invention, showing a state before this connector is assembled, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rear holder used in the waterproof connector, showing a state before rubber plugs are integrally molded in the rear holder, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rear holder, showing a state in which the rubber plugs are integrally molded in the rear holder, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rear holder, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof connector in an assembled state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, aconnector housing2 of thewaterproof connector1 is made of synthetic resin, and has a substantially square tubular shape having open front and rear ends. A front portion of theconnector housing2 is formed into ahood portion3 for fitting on a mating connector (not shown). A plurality ofterminal chambers4 of a substantially square tubular shape are formed in a central portion of theconnector housing2, and are arranged in three rows and two columns.Plug chambers5 of a cylindrical shape are formed in a rear portion of theconnector housing2, and communicate with theterminal chambers4, respectively. The rear holder6 (described later), made of synthetic resin, can be fitted on the outer peripheral face of that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5.

Retainingpawls3afor being releasably engaged respectively in retaining holes in the mating connector (not shown) are integrally formed on and project from an upper face of thehood portion3 of theconnector housing2. Alance4afor retaining a female terminal9 (described later), connected to awire8, is integrally formed on a and projects from a bottom of eachterminal chamber4 of theconnector housing2 at a central portion thereof. Anannular rib5a, also serving as a partition wall, is integrally formed at the boundary between eachterminal chamber4 and thecorresponding plug chamber5 in theconnector housing2. Retainingpawls5bare integrally formed on and project from each of the upper and lower faces of that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to5, therear holder6 is made of synthetic resin, and has a generally box-shape having a closed bottom, and a plurality ofwire insertion holes6bof a large diameter are formed through abottom wall portion6aof this rear holder, and are arranged in three rows and two columns.Grooves6care formed in an outer face of thebottom wall portion6aof therear holder6, and communicate thewire insertion holes6bwith one another to interconnect thewire insertion holes6b. Retainingholes6eare formed respectively through those portions of aperipheral wall6dof therear holder6 corresponding respectively to the retainingpawls5bformed on that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, and the retainingpawls5bcan be releasably engaged in the retaining holes6e, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rubber plugs7 are integrally formed respectively in thewire insertion holes6bin therear holder6, and project from the inner face of thebottom wall portion6aof therear holder6. Each of the rubber plugs7 has awire insertion hole7ahaving an inner diameter B larger than an outer diameter D of thewire8. Namely, after therear holder6 is formed by molding, rubber molding dies (not shown) are located respectively on the inner and outer sides of th srear holder6, and then molten rubber (not shown) is poured into cavities in this rubber molding die, thereby integrally forming the plurality ofrubber plus7 on therear holder6 in a projected manner. In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference character N denotes a rubber material pouring port, and reference character M denotes a degassing port. At this time,proximal ends7bof the rubber plugs7 are integrally formed with one another in an interconnecting manner via thegrooves6cwhich are formed in the outer face of thebottom wall portion6aof therear holder6, and communicate thewire insertion holes6bwith one another. These interconnecting portions are designated byreference numeral7c.

The inner diameter B of thewire insertion hole7a, formed through eachrubber plug7 to be received in theplug chamber5 in theconnector housing2, is larger than the outer diameter D of the wire8 (B>D), and an outer peripheral face of a sealingportion7dof therubber plug7 is corrugated. As shown in FIG. 3, the relevant portions are formed such that the relation, A<C−B+D is satisfied where A represents the inner diameter of eachplug chamber5 in the connector housing, B represents the inner diameter of thewire insertion hole7ain eachrubber plug7, C represents the outer diameter of the sealingportion7dof therubber plug7, and D represents the outer diameter of thewire8.

As shown in FIG. 3, the distance E from the rear end of the retaininghole6ein therear holder6 to the distal end of the sealingportion7dof therubber plug7 is larger than the distance F from eachrib5aon theconnector housing2 to the retainingpawl5b(E>F). With this configuration, when therear holder6, having the plurality of rubber plugs7 formed integrally therewith, is fitted on that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, the sealingportion7dof eachrubber plug7 is compressed by thecorresponding rib5a(also serving as the partition wall) which forms part of the correspondingterminal chamber4, and also forms part of thecorresponding plug chamber5. Therefore, when therear holder6 is attached to that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, a positive seal is formed between eachrubber plug7 and the associatedplug chamber5, and also a positive seal is formed between thewire insertion hole7ain eachrubber plug7 and the associatedwire8.

Thefemale terminal9 includes a box-like portion9a, in which a male terminal in the mating connector can be inserted to contact the same, and a pair ofwire connecting parts9band9bwhich are formed integrally at a rear end of the box-like portion9aso as to be connected to thewire8 in a clamping manner. When eachfemale terminal9 is received in the associatedterminal chamber4 in theconnector housing2, the rear end of the box-like portion9aof thefemale terminal9. is retained By thelance4a.

For assembling thewaterproof connector1 of this embodiment, thewires8 are passed respectively through thewire insertion holes7aof the rubber plugs7, formed integrally with therear holder6, from the outer side thereof, as shown in FIG.3. Th en, the pair ofwire connecting parts9bof eachfemale terminal9 are clamped and connected to the end portion of the associatedwire8 by pressing or the like, as shown in FIG.1.

Then, thefemale terminals9, connected respectively to thewires8, are inserted respectively into theterminal chambers4 in theconnector housing2 as indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, and are retained by thelances4a, respectively. Then, therear holder6 is fitted on that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, and the retainingpawls5bon theconnector housing2 are retaining engaged respectively in the retaining holes6ein therear holder6. As a result, the rubber plugs7 are received respectively in theplug chambers5 in theconnector housing2 in a compressed condition. Thus, the assembling operation of thewater roof connector1, in which thewires8 are sealed by the rubber plugs7, respectively, is completed.

As described above, therear holder6 can be releasably attached to (that is, fitted on) that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, and the plurality of rubber plugs7, each having thewire insertion hole7awhose inner diameter B is larger than the outer diameter D of thewire8, are formed integrally with therear holder6 in a projected manner, and the relevant portions are formed such that the relation, A<C−B+D is satisfied where A represents the inner diameter of eachplug chamber5, B represents the inner diameter of theire insertion hole7ain eachrubber plug7, C represents the outer diameter of the sealingportion7dof therubber plug7, and D represents the outer diameter of thewire8. Therefore, in the assembling operation in which eachwire8 is passed through thewire insertion hole7ain the associatedrubber plug7, and then eachfemale terminal9 is connected to the end portion of the associatedwire8, and is received in the associatedterminal chamber4 in theconnector housing2, and then therear holder6 is fitted on that portion of theconnector housing2 having theplug chambers5, the passing and sealing abilities of eachwire8 relative to thewire insertion hole7aof therubber plug7 are good, and therefore eachwire8 is prevented from being buckled, thus enhancing the efficiency of the assembling operation of thewaterproof connector1 as well as the waterproof performance thereof. Therefore, a wire harness, comprising a bundle ofwires8, can be easily produced.

And besides, the sealingportion7dof eachrubber plug7 can be compressed by therib5a(forming part of the plug chamber5) when therear holder6, having the rubber plugs7 formed integrally therewith, is attached to that portion of the connect orhousing2 having theplug chambers5, and therefore a failure to attach the rubber plugs7 can be detected easily and positively, and in addition a seal between eachrubber plug7 and the associatedplug chamber5 in theconnector housing2, as well as a seal between eachrubber plug7 and the2 associatedwire8, can be formed easily and positively, thus enhancing the sealing performance.

Furthermore, the proximal ends7bof the rubber plugs7 are integrally formed with one another in an interconnecting manner via the channel-shapedgrooves6cwhich are formed in the outer face of thebottom wall portion6aof therear holder6, and Communicate thewire insertion holes6bwith one another. Therefore, the plurality of rubber plugs7 can be firmly secured to thebottom wall portion6aof the rear h older6, and the rubber plugs6 will not be disengaged from the respectivewire insertion holes6bof a large diameter, formed in thebottom wall portion6aof therear holder6, even when passing thewires8 respectively through thewire insertion holes7aof the rubber plugs7 from the outer side. Therefore, the multi-waywaterproof connector1, having the excellent sealing performance, can be easily assembled in a short time, and the efficiency of the overall assembling operation can be further enhanced. Namely, the wire harness, comprising a bundle ofwires8, can be produced easily, and the efficiency of the overall assembling operation is further enhanced.

In the above embodiment, although each wire is clamped and connected to the crimp-type terminal, the terminals are not limited to the crimp-type, and the above embodiment can be applied to the case where each wire is press-connected to a press-connecting terminal.

Claims (3)

What is claimed is:

1. A waterproof connecter comprising:

a connector housing including a terminal chamber for accommodating a terminal to which an electric wire is connected;

a rear holder attached to a rare end portion of the connector housing;

a waterproof rubber plug having through hole through which the electric wire is inserted, one end of which is configured as a cylindrical sealing portion, the other end of which is configured as a proximal end portion integrally provided with a rear end wall of the rear holder; and

a plug chamber formed in the rear end portion of the connector housing so as to communicate with the terminal chamber for accommodating the rubber plug therein when the rear holder is attached with the connector housing,

wherein the dimension of the plug chamber is determined such that a distal end of the sealing portion of the rubber plug is compressed in the attaching direction by an inner wall of the plug chamber when the rear hole is attached with the connector housing.

2. The waterproof connector as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the dimension of the plug chamber is so determined as to satisfy the following relationship:

A<C−B+D

where A is an inner diameter of the plug chamber; B is an inner diameter of the through hole of the rubber plug; C is an outer diameter of the sealing portion of the rubber plug; and D is an outer diameter of the electric wire.

3. The waterproof connector as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the connector housing includes a plurality of terminal chambers and the rear holder includes a plurality of waterproof rubber plugs associated with the terminal chambers respectively; and

wherein the effective proximal ends of the rubber plugs are exposed to an outer face of the ear end wall of the rear holder and connected with each other via a groove formed on the outer face of the rear holder.

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